Northern Leyte College, Inc.
Palompon, Leyte
S.Y. 2021-2022
MUSIC 8
First Quarter – (Week 1-2)
Lesson 1: Southeast Asian Music (VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC OF CAMBODIA, INDONESIA, MYANMAR
AND MALAYSIA)
SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES:
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam. Vocal
music is music made specifically for voices. It may be performed with or without instruments while Instrumental music is
made solely for instruments.
CAMBODIA is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia. It is also known as Kâmpŭchéa. It was the
center of the Khmer (Cambodian) kingdom of Angkor, a great empire that dominated Southeast Asia for 600 years. Their
music gained a world-wide reputation in the 1960s until the dramatic political problems in Cambodia.
Cambodian court music is roughly similar to that of Java, Indonesia. They feature choruses with large orchestras
based on struck keys and gongs.
The Pinpeat is a Cambodian musical ensemble or an orchestra that usually accompanies ceremonial music of the
royal courts and temples. Music is always part of their court dances, masked plays, shadow plays, and religious
ceremonies. This group is similar to the Piphat ensemble of
Thailand and usually consists of nine or ten instruments.
1. Skorthom – two big drums similar to
Japanese (membranophone)
2. Samphor – a double-headed drum played
with hands (membranophone)
3. Chhing – finger cymbals (idiophone)
4. Oneat – xylophones (idiophone)
5. Kongvong – gong circles (idiophone)
INDONESIA is an archipelago in Southeast Asia comprising approximately 17,500 islands. With over 238 million
people, Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country and is the fourth biggest nation of the world. Through
interaction with other cultures such as Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and European, a wide range of musical styles has been
developed. Today, the contemporary music of Indonesia is popular not only in the region but also in the neighboring
countries.
There are two basic kinds of Indonesian music scale:
Slendro – five (5) equidistant tones in octave
Pelog – heptatonic (7) tone scale with semi tone
Both vocal and instrumental music in Indonesia use slendro and peloq scales.
Polyphonic stratification kind of melody is a result of hocket / Interlock.
Interlocking is a common technique used in gong ensembles.
Irama – is an Indonesian term for tempo.
Gamelan
1
The Gamelan or Gamelan orchestra is the most popular form of music in Indonesia. There are many types of
Gamelan but the famous Javanese and Balinese Gamelan are the most famous. It contains a variety of instruments such
as metallophones, xylophones, kendang and gongs, bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings.
Vocal music is used as ornamentation of the Gamelan. It is as important as Gamelan.
1. Pesindhen is a female soloist singer who sings with a Gamelan.
2. Gerong refers to the unison male chorus that sings with the Gamelan.
*Karawitan is the term for every kind of Gamelan music in Java.
*Gamelan orchestras
- are used to accompany dances, songs, and Wayang Kulit
- are believed to possess supernatural powers
- consider their instruments sacred, therefore stepping over the instrument is a sign of disrespect
- musicians bow before playing the instruments to show respect
MYANMAR was known as Burma until 1989. The country’s name was officially changed by the military
government that took over in 1988. Early civilization in Myanmar dates back to the 1st century with archaeological
evidences of the Pyu Kingdoms of Thayekhittaya (Sri Ksetra), Beithano (Visnu), and Hanlin.
The music of Myanmar (or Burma) has similarities with many other musical traditions in the region, including
Chinese music and Thai music, probably because its longest land border is shared with China.
The Hsaing Waing is Myanmar’s traditional folk music ensemble. It is made up mainly of different gongs and
drums as well as other instruments depending on the nature of the performance.
Myanmar’s musical instruments are categorized into two types, the loud sounding and soft sounding. The loud
sounding instruments are performed in open-air ensembles at ceremonies and festivals. Most of the Hsaing Waing
instruments belong to the loud sounding category.
Other instruments in the Hsaing Waing are the:
1. Hne- a double reed pipe
2. Maung Hsaing- larger bronze gongs in a rectangular frame
3. Chauk Ion Pat- a set of 8 tuned drums
4. Pat Waing- a set of 21 drums in a circle
5. Kyi Waing-small bronze gongs in a circular frame
6. Siand Wa- bell and clapper
For more formal and classical
performances that are performed
indoors, the ensemble may be
accompanied by the saung gauk
(13string angular harp with soft
sound) the national instrument of
Myanmar, the pattala (Burmese
xylophone), or the piano and violin,
both introduced during colonial rule.
Myanmar not only has musical ensembles but also an extensive collection of classical songs called the Mahagita.
These songs are divided into different types like the oldest repertoires, royal court music, songs of longing, horses’ dance
songs, worship songs for Burmese spirits, and songs of sorrow and music adapted from Ayutthaya and the Mon people.
The saung gauk usually accompanies these songs.
“Land of the Free”, THAILAND!
Siam is the old name of THAILAND. It is known for being the sole nation in Southeast Asia that has never been ruled
by a Western power. It is for this reason that the country is also called “Muang Thai,” which means “Land of the Free.
Thai folk music consists of simple songs with simple melodic lines.
Songs of Thailand have inherently poetic lyrics which allow a singer or performer to easily define the melodic lines. It
provides the singer the opportunity to improvise song text to suit the given occasion.
2
THREE PRIMARY INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLES IN THAILAND
1. Piphat- It is a mid-sized orchestra that is performed in either outdoor style with hard mallets or indoor style with padded
mallets. This ensemble has different types but the highly ornate one is traditionally associated with funerals and cremation
ceremonies. Other versions of the piphat ensemble are used to accompany specific forms of traditional Thai drama such
as the large shadow puppet theatre (nang yai) and the khon dance drama.
2. Khrueang Sai- it is an orchestra that combines some of the percussion and wind instruments of the Piphat with an
expanded string section. This group is primarily used for indoor performances and for the accompaniment of stickpuppet
theater.
3. Mahori- this ensemble is traditionally played by women in the courts of Central Thailand and Cambodia. Because of
this, instruments for this ensemble are historically smaller. However, regular-sized instruments are used today. A vocalist
performing with the Mahori is usually accompanied by the so sam sai.
LAOS: This country is an independent state of Southeast Asia and officially known as Lao People’s Democratic
Republic. The classical music and dance of Laos is highly influences by India, Cambodia, and Thailand.
Themes are drawn from Hindu mythology, the Buddhist Jataka tales, and local legends. The royal entourage of
Lao kings traditionally included musicians, and a typical orchestra improvised songs with sets of tuned gongs, xylophones,
a bamboo flute, and other wind instruments.
The Lao orchestra can be divided into two categories:
1. Sep Nyai – This is similar to the Piphat of Thailand with instruments that are strictly percussive but also
integrates the use of an oboe.
2. Sep Noi – This is also known as the Mahori of Thailand. However, it incorporates the use of several khene
which is a large bamboo mouth organ and is the most popular folk music instrument of Laos.
Traditional music, called Mor lam, is largely based
around the khene.
SINGAPORE
The cultural life reflects its colonization by the British Empire and its diverse
population. Being the melting pot of different cultures in Asia, folk music of this
country reflects the culture and traditions of specific groups.
The ethnic groups which made a prominent place in the musical world of Singapore
have been Chinese, Indian Malays, and Tamils. Other minority Asian ethnic groups
which have also made a mark in the folk culture of Singapore are the Cantonese,
Hokkien, and Malay Bangwasan.
Through the years, the music industry in Singapore grew having Western-
influenced performances by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra as well as ethnic
MERLION music performances mainly by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra. Other performing groups
with Malay and Indian influence are still prevalent until today.
References for Learners
[Link], “Khrueang Sai Pii Chawaa at Chula”, Acessed June 20, 2020,
[Link]
[Link], “Mahori Ensemble”, Acessed June 20, 2020,
[Link]
ANSWER KEY:
Activity 1: (Answer may vary)
Activity 2: (Answer may vary)
Activity 3: (Depend on the performance)
3
NORTHERN LEYTE COLLEGE INC.
PALOMPON, LEYTE
MUSIC 8
Name of Learner: _____________________________________ Grade Level: _____________
Section: ____________________ Date of submission: Sep. 03, 2021
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Background Information for Learners
Appreciating the music of other Southeast Asian countries doesn’t only limit to the knowledge of the names of the
instruments, the style of the music produced and the music ensembles every country represents. It also extends to
performing their music as you understand its nature and feel the expression of how Southeast Asian music covey their
message and identity.
Directions/Instructions:
Make sure to write your reflection about the lesson after answering your activities to gain 10 points.
Activity 1: COMPARE AND CONTRAST
Direction: Gamelan is very popular in Indonesia. It is quite similar to the kumintang ensembles of the Philippines.
Differentiate the two by using a Venn Diagram. (3 points each)
GAMELAN in KUMINTANG in
Indonesia the Philippines
BOTH
Activity 2: DESCRIBE ME Direction: Observe and listen of the three primary instrumental ensembles of Thailand.
Answer the following table below. (2 points each)
Music Ensemble Distinctive Characteristics
Piphat
Khrueang Sai
Mahori
Watch videos and listen to some songs from different Southeast Asian countries. If you have access to the
internet, you may visit these suggested videos. If not, you may refer the songs that you have listened to.
The Pain Is Right Here-(Sakitnya Tuh Disini)-Cita Citata (Official Music Video ([Link]
[Link]/watch?v=yLeQAS5xSAg&feature=share)
Traditional Thai Music ([Link]
4
Traditional Khmer Music at the Temples of Angkor, Cambodia | Cambodian Traditional Folk Music
([Link]
Activity 3: SONG COVER
Direction: You have to cover an OPM with the tune of other Southeast Asian music, and have the available musical
improvised instruments, this time you’ll make your own song cover. It should last for 30 sec-1 minute only. Use the rubric
as your guide. Submit your final output through the messenger of the teacher (Faith Kenny Ruiz).
Rubric:
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Poor (1) Total
Melody, Pitch and Confidently sings in Sings simple songs Sings some simple Developing
Pitch Direction tune for most songs easily and manages songs mostly in towards
appropriate to some more complex time. singing in
student’s level. Proper tunes some of the Developing breath tune.
breath control time. Has adequate control for typical
enhances phrasing. breath control. patterns. Has
Matchess pitch Matches pitch with difficulty with
reliably. few errors. managing pitch
control
Rhythm Maintains appropriate Maintains consistent Some regularity in Tempo/rhythm
tempo/ rhythm for tempo/rhythm tempo-rhythm, but are uncertain
given songs-can sometimes misses. and irregular.
punctuate effectively
and independently.
Expression/ Expression enhances Expression is Expression is Monotonic or
Phrasing performance by adding generally appropriate sometimes inappropriate
appropriate by adding to the song being appropriate, but expression
depth and emotional sung. may be inconsistent used
range
Video Length Follows the exact Consists of time Consists of time Consists of
duration of the video duration of 2 minutes duration of 1 minute time duration
(3-5 minutes) of less than a
minute
Submission Submits on time Submits a day after Submits after 2 Submits after
the deadline days from the given 3 days from
deadline the deadline
TOTAL:
Reflection: (10 points)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________.
Prepared by:
FAITH KENNY I. RUIZ
Subject Teacher
5
For any question, you can contact me on my Facebook page (Faith Kenny I. Ruiz)
NORTHERN LEYTE COLLEGE INC.
PALOMPON, LEYTE
MUSIC 8
Name of Learner: _________________________________ Grade Level:_____________
Section: _____________________ Date of submission: Sep. 03, 2021
ASSESSMENT SHEET
Direction: Choose the correct answer. Write only the letter of your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. What is the most popular form music in Indonesia?
a. Gamelan c. Pesidhen
b. Gerong d. Kertok
2. What Cambodian musical ensemble or an orchestra that usually accompanies ceremonial music of the royal courts and
temples?
a. Gamelan c. Piphat
b. Pinpeat d. Samphor
3. How the musical instruments categorized in Myanmar?
a. Through sounds c. through performance
b. Through classification d. through prayers
4. What type of musical ensembles of Malaysia is similar to the kulintang of the Philippines, Brunei and Indonesia?
a. Piphat c. Gamelan
b. Samphor d. Agung
5. What kind of orchestra is Piphat?
a. Combines of percussion and qind instrument
b. traditionally played by women in the court
c. performed in outdoor style with hard mallets or indoor style of podded mallets
d. performed by singing in group
6. What country of Southeast Asia officially known as Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic?
a. Cambodia c. Laos
b. Malaysia d. Singapore
7. This ensemble is traditionally played by women in the courts of Central Thailand and Cambodia.
a. Piphat c. Folk Music
b. Khrueang Sai d. Mahori
8. Which of the following has 5 equidistant tones in octave?
a. Pelog c. Pasidhen
b. Slendro d. Gerong
9. What do you call a female soloist singer who sings with a Gamelan?
a. Pesidhen c. Gerong
b. Karawitan d. Slendro
10. Which of the following pinpeat ensemble instrument double headed drum played with hand?
a. Oneat c. Chhing
b. Kongvong d. Sampho
Prepared by:
FAITH KENNY I. RUIZ
Subject Teacher
